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I started as a shy development-communicator-in-training. I was never really confident about my skills. But my mistake back then was never really believing in what I’m capable of which led to settling to the bare minimum I could do. After a whole semester in the College of Development Communication, I have gained a lot of lessons that I could surely use throughout my DevCom journey.

Being a development communicator needs to get out of their comfort zone. How are we going to be able to help and reach out for others when we let our fears hinder us from flying high?

Before, I gave myself (2) to almost all of the qualities such as: curious, imaginative, loves to read, and the others. However I gave (1) to qualities such as persevering and industriousness, because I knew to myself that struggles never hindered me from pushing harder and aiming higher. The quality I struggled with the most is resourcefulness. I couldn’t approach people and make connections because of my lack of confidence and drive in exhausting all the possible sources.

I’ve learned to be more resourceful by being curious and inquisitive when it comes to data gathering. Engaging with people will make it a lot easier for the data gathering process. I tried stepping out from my safe space and tried approaching people. Data gathering being the backbone of the content a writer would be making, is a very vital process. With that, one semester has taught me to give importance to this process and step up my game in exhausting sources of information.

In the skills of a media writer what I struggled the most with are data gathering, validating information and writing clearly and effectively which with (2) being its rating. Among the skills, It’s hard for me to write clearly and effectively. As a creative writer, I had a difficult time simplifying ideas and being direct to the point.

With the help of the lab exercises which helped us greatly in becoming news writers, I learned how it really is important to write clearly. Moreover, it made me realize how hard it is to write clear sentences for the audience. I still couldn’t give a (1) rating to this skill, as well as the other ones because I know I could improve more as I continue my DevCom joruney.

The whole semester has been tough. It was my first time in journalism. There were days that I felt like giving up the dream because of my lack of confidence. However, if I stop then I surely couldn’t make it. Thus, this semester made me tougher and stronger when it comes to facing new challenges. There will surely be a lot of road blocks ahead, but that shouldn’t stop you from improving and working harder.

A Lesson from my Old Self.

Oh, how I wish I could turn back time and give some pieces of advice to my old self. But, who am I kidding? I can’t do that. Well, I would still share it anyway.

Rejection doesn’t always mean you’re not good enough; that you don’t deserve to have that thing. It means that you just have to try a little harder with your game faced on. Rejections lead you to something better.

Don’t depend your happiness on how productive you are today or for this week. It’s okay not to do anything. It’s okay to rest. It’s okay to feel unproductive.

It’s okay to build connection with other people but don’t ever forget the connection that you’ve had with yourself before those people even came into your life.

Let yourself be sad. This is the time that you realized that you are a human being. You’re in pain. You’re tired. And that’s okay. Sometimes, letting yourself feel that sadness, makes you stronger. You learn how to get up but now stronger, bolder, and wiser.

Spend quality time with your family and friends as much as possible. I know college could be so draining. All of the paper works, quizzes, essays and activities, who wouldn’t feel burn out? So, if ever you feel like stopping then rest. Find good comfort in your friends and family. It’s always good to have someone you could lean on.

Should’ve

The semester’s about to end. Who would’ve thought we’d get this far? Looking back to all the ups and downs for the whole semester, it made me realize a lot of things. The journey ahead is still uncertain, but with all that I’ve experienced this semester, I know I can still stand up and keep on fighting until I reach my goal.

As a freshie, the hardest part is facing a lot of new phases in college. New friends, new priorities, and a new learning environment. Looking back, I may have regrets on what I should’ve done at the first days of being an iskolar ng bayan.

With that, here are five tips to my old self about what I should’ve tried before

Smiling won’t hurt!

I know it’s hard to meet new people and find new friends but smiling won’t hurt! Try to socialize and get to know new people who would make your first semester or even the your whole university life, special.

FUEL YOUR PASSION

Always fuel your passion and stay inspired in doing your craft. Things may be a little rough at some times, however, with a clear vision and passion, it will surely pay off in the end.

believe in yourself

Be your number 1 fan! Who would trust you if you couldn’t even believe in your own capabilities? Remove all the doubts and fears. It all starts with you, and all will follow.

GET OUT OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE

It’s never wrong to step out of your comfort zone. As you start your college journey, a new chapter will begin. Thus, try something you’d be able to proud of. Make friends, attend different activities, stay curious.

breathe it all out

Rest is important. Give yourself time to think and breathe from everything. Clear your mind and soul. It’s okay to cry it all out. What’s important is the realization and drive that pushes you to do better and continue fighting.

Una sa lahat,

First sem is almost over! What are the top things you wish to tell yourself from this semester?

https://drive.google.com/open?id=16EAcpZmYH-ni5_JZL99-H0sGy9zLrpLz

December na, ang bilis ng panahon! The end of the semester is just right around the corner, and it’s getting tougher and tougher by the minute. Sabay-sabay na deadlines and exams, plus SEA games, tapos traffic pa sa SLEX, ang dami pang readings sa PI 10, portfolio sa ARTS 1… may idadagdag ka pa ba?

“To cram is no longer an available option.” In fact, it should never be. At ‘yan ang unang-unang sasabihin ko sa aking Freshie self. Sabi ng Prof namin, pwede lang mag-cram hangga’t splendid ang output na maipapasa mo. But in my case, that is impossible. I can never work in my best within a time pressure. So, Elysse, do yourself a favor and do what needs to be done ASAP.

Ay, nag-set ka ba ng goals ngayon? This is the second most important thing that I overlooked. One day, nag-iisip-isip ako kung ano na ang nangyayari sa buhay-kolehiyo ko. Bakit ganito ako mag-effort, parang joke time. Dun ko naalala na wala akong tina-target na goal, may it be a grade or a characteristic. Kaya ang ginagawa ko na lang ay come-what-may at nagiging mediocre ang mga outputs ko. Ang daling mawalan ng gana na magsikap sa panahon ngayon, but that should not be an elusive mindset over any of us. Show some grit and resilience. Sabi nga ng kuya ko, kapag babato ka, ibato mo na ng malayo. That way, hindi mo man maabot ang target mo, malayo pa rin ang narating mo. Elysse, hindi ka nag-sha-shadow boxing. Put up a good fight.

Ang hirap pumorma, no? ‘Yan kasi, ang daming dala na damit, hindi naman makapili. Pero now that I’ve gotten my feel of Elbi, napag-desisyunan ko na magbawas ng damit. Ang hirap din kasi iuwi. At since aesthetic trend naman ngayon, why not go and try to have a minimalist lifestyle sa dorm?

Oo nga pala, baka nakakalimutan mo: ‘wag kang judgemental. Ang dami kong nakilalang tao na hindi ko inaasahan yung personality nila. Not in a negative way, just not how I expected. May mga tahimik na kwela pala, may mga boisterous na ang soft pala ng feelings nila… Guard your heart ang keep an open mind. It will be good for everyone to be friends with everyone. Learn from others, befriend their souls, grow together.

Remember why you started. I had to do this multiple times, more than once in a single day, lalo na kapag nakatakip yung ilong ko pag dumadaan ako sa Sperm Bridge at iniisip, “Bakit ba ko daddito.” There are times when you could answer that right away, confidently and surely, but there will also be times when no answer is true and concrete. Kapag ganon, imagine yourself as a practicing devcom in your desired field. Visualize yourself in the future, your family, and the people you want to reach or the problems you want to address. Isipin mo yung sweldo, if thet will make you feel better. Isipin mo yung lugar kung saan ka kinatagpo ng pangarap mo. Isipin mo yung pikit-matang pagsasakripisyo ng pamilya mo para pag-aralin ka. Diba, napabangon ka. Kaya tapusin mo ‘to.

God is with you, acknowledge Him. Mawala na ang lahat, ‘wag lang ikaw sa will ni Lord. Mawala na ang lahat, ‘wag lang ang delight ni God. Bata ka pa lang, nababasa alam mo na ‘to: Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. Makalimutan mo na ang lahat ng sinabi ko dito ngayon, ‘wag lang ito.

Buhay Devcom: Q & A + Tips: What is DevCom?

“Limited lang ba ang job opportunities para sa isang devcom graduate?

“Basta gwapo or maganda, devcom ‘yan!”

“Is devcom just like any other communication courses?”

Kaye Galler, Cedric Allen Katigbak, Kristina Isabel Perez, and Karen Vargas, first year students of BS Development Communication in the University of the Philippines, answer the most challenging questions and clear the most intriguing misconceptions regarding development communication as a field of study.

Learn more about the field by watching this video:

The New Version

One of the interviewees, that have a lasting impact on my skills and qualities as a media writer.

As the semester ends, looking back at all the activities, events, quizzes, and exams, I have not realized that my first semester at the college of development communication is nearing its completion. Remembering the first month of the semester, when I can still say that I am a freshman in every aspect, I, or rather we, assessed ourselves on what are our gradings on ourselves in terms of the qualities and skills as a media writer. In the assessment, I have given myself low/average in most of the parts, except for one in the skills, and that is where I was confident. Currently, with the semester ending and all of the activities that Devcom has given to us freshman, I can say that I have improved in some parts of the skills and qualities of being a media writer.

In the assessment, I gave myself a three (3) in the qualities which are; Curious, Intelligent, Industrious, Resourceful, and Loves to read. While two (2) on; Persevering, Imaginative, Interested in and loves people, Self-oriented, and Puts a premium on accuracy and truth. I cannot say that I am fully imaginative and persevering that I could have given it a one (1), but I do know at that time that I am what I say I am in the assessment.

Currently, I can say that I have improved, even though the improvement is rather small or insignificant, improvement is still an improvement and that what really matters. Although I still cannot say that I can give myself a one (1) rating on my two (2) ratings, My three (3) ratings have improved, especially in the industrious and resourceful qualities. Even though it is not a one (1) in the ratings, an improvement of two (2) is enough for me to know that I have gained something.

In being resourceful, you would have to be able to gather data or information at unexpected times, and think of another way to gather the data, if not, more effectively and precisely. And I have become more industrious in a way that I have finished more output at the same time that I would have before with lesser outputs.

In the assessment on the skills of being a media writer, I have given myself an overall rating of a three (3) with; Data Gathering, Validating and Clarifying information, Organizing Information, and Writing Clearly and Effectively, with the exemption of Proficiency in the operation of tools and devices having a rating of one (1), the only skill that I can say that I am confident about.

Today, I can say that I have improved on all of the skills, not a perfect rating, but improved in the way that I am confident about my skills possibility and future. An example of my improvement would be on my data gathering and validating and gathering information, where I know what data or information is valid and reliable in the age of fake information. As well as organizing the information well, with clear and effective writing, removing some unused and redundant words.

Travel Back

The first semester is nearing its end, and I have a ton of memories that the semester gives that I will cherish forever until the very end of my university life. There are instances that I would want to travel back and tell to my self what I need to do in order for me to further enhance my life here in the university, and at the college of development communication.

Take a rest! One of the most important thing to do ad remember while we are now in college is that everyone needs to rest, either it is short or long, resting will help us relax our minds and ready ourselves for the upcoming events/activities.
It is okay to cry. I know that you are trying your best to survive the semester, but sometimes, when it is just really too much for you to handle, cry, so that you can have a time for your mind to acknowledge the reality of college.
Try to make everything fun. We know in college that there are numerous workload that would deter the meaning of the word fun. However, incorporating on what you think can make the task fun, means less of a hassle to you.
Try to eat until you are full. Sometimes, we cannot have a full meal, especially in the mornings, since the daily routines are mostly waking up, take a bath, dress, and go to the first class, missing breakfast entirely. So make sure to eat something before going to class.
Always smile! even when times go by against you, even when you think the world and odds are against you, always smile to have the positivity around you more profound and life-changing to other people.d

Rizal’s Hometown

https://drive.google.com/drive/u/1/my-drive

The city of Calamba is a fast-growing first-class city in Region IV-A. On March 5, 2001, Calamba became a city by the virtue of Republic Act No. 9024 and a Comelec Plebiscite on April 21, 2001. Currently, it is known as “The City of Growth, Leisure and National Pride.”

DevCom what?

Group video prepared by: Christine Casido, Geraldine Brotonel, Kristine Cueto, Leila Mapa, and Reulene Matalog

CDC holds its first college-wide CDCIKLABAN

Devcom students and professor showcased their athletic ability in CDCiklaban 2019

In line with the College of Development Communication’s goal to hone the holistic aspect of the students, CDCiklaban was held at Baker Hall last Nov 9 and 16, 2019. Students and Professors were highly encourgaed to join in the sports category they desire by signing up an online form. This event also aims to develop sportsmanship among the students and givethem an opportunity to unwind from the stress of acads.

The CDC Student Council, in the leadership of Aaron Paul Landicho, organized this annual sports event to cater the ability of the students in the field of sports. The winners of CDCiklaban will have the chance to compete in the University-wide Sports Competition called Palarong UPLB.

In dama, the third place was bagged by Mark Vincent Mercene, Aaron James as the second placer and Erica Silang as the champion.

Image: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1e4OPPR7mVYeWCectWwhKLyCBrSOVGJHV/view

Verbs, Pronouns, Adjectives… Devcom Students play hard at Scrabble in CDCiklaban 2019.

Rainielle Kyle Guison and Ruben Piomena was hailed as the champion in Scrabble.

In the physical sports category, Mikaela Marie Dumaraga, Kay Justin Laayaka, Justin Be-et, Jason Rodriguez, Julius Villaray, Darla Penaflor and Mark Angelo Bakay championed the Tamaang tao contest.

In the Men’s Badminton, Reinier Gaspar got second place while Prof. Edward Centeno got the first place. Reyes and Penaflor got the second and first place in the Women’s Badminton respectively.

In the men’s volleyball category, the group of William Esund won as the champion. Dane Christian Morena was awarded as the Best Server, Reinier Gaspar as the Best Blocker, Mark Baccay as the Best Spiker, Aaron Landicho as the Best Rigger and Gabriel Dolot as the Best Setter.

The group of Claudine Batimana and Ryzza Accuzar won as the champion in the women’s volleyball category.

CDCiklaban fostered the unity of the college and paved way to a healthy and friendly competition among peers.

Mr. and Ms. CDCIKLABAN 2019

The College of Development Communication (CDC) of the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB), held its first coronation of Ginoo and Binibining CDCiklaban 2019 on Saturday, November 16.

The event, held at the UPLB Baker Hall, featured four males and females competing for the crown for 2019.

Image: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1bB87eq6wgL0IHvO7kEoMtHI1yJOqAD_l/view

Devcom Candidates never go out of style at CDCiklaban Pageant 2019.

Female Contestants:

KRISZIA PROLOGO, Batch 2019

QUINZHY JIMENEZ, Batch 2019

GLORIA EUSEBIO, Batch 2019

NEISEL LYCA PETIZA, Batch 2018

Male Contestants:

DAVID CLEMENTE ALCALA, Batch 2018

DALE JOHN CABALLERO, Batch 2019

MARK ANGELO BACCAY, Batch 2018

RUDY PAREL JR., Batch 2019

The judges for the pageant included the Binibining Los Baños 2019. (pa-insert name ng judges)

During the pageant, contestants competed in a production number, sports attire, casual wear, and question and answer segment.

The winners and awards for Ginoo and Binibining CDCiklaban 2019 were voted upon by the CDC students and the panel of judges.

Mr. and Ms. Photogenic were won by David Alcala and Kriszia Prologo, respectively. The People’s Choice Award was won by Mark Baccay and Neisel Petiza. This award was voted on by the CDC students before the pageant.

Mark Baccay and Kriszia Prologo were again awarded Best in Production Number. Best in Sports Attire was awarded to Rudy Parel and Neisel Petiza. Once again, Rudy Parel and Kriszia Prologo were awarded Best in Casual Wear of CDCiklaban 2019.

The third runner-up went to Dale Caballero and Quinzhy Jimenez, and the second runner-up went to David Alcala and Neisel Petiza. The first runner-up went to Mark Baccay and Gloria Eusebio.